GARLIC

Geek talk: Allium sativum But we talk: Stinking rose, rustic treacle, serpet garlic, rocambole Description: Garlic is a small, but well-known vegetable that certainly packs a punch both with its pungent aroma and vast health benefits. Used as an herb to spice up a wide variety of meals, garlic has been around for over 7,000 years. Native to central Asia and very closely related to onions, leeks and chives, this herb has been both eaten and been used medicinally across the globe throughout its long history. . Kitchen Pharmacy: Whle it may not thwart off vampires as tales have suggested, garlic certainly does have massive health benefits. Garlic is believed to help prevent colon, rectal and stomach cancer and has even been used to help treat bladder and prostate cancer. It is also believed to promote good heart health by reducing risk for heart disease and heart attack and help stop the clogging of arteries. It has been linked to reducing both blood pressure and cholesterol and is believed to help prevent tick bites and food poisoning. Garlic is even sometimes used to help treat fevers, coughs, headaches, stomachaches, sinus congestion, bronchitis and asthma. Nutrition: 3 Cloves of Garlic Contains

Origin: Southwestern Asia

  References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic
2. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=60
3. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/300.html